Editorial: Heed suggestions from Brookings

The latest report from the Brookings Institution -- which analyzed 2000-2008 census data for the nation's 100 largest metro areas -- presented some interesting findings. Most notably, perhaps, is that we're seeing a reversal of "white flight," as America's suburbs are now more likely to be home to minorities, the poor and a rapidly growing older population as many younger, educated whites move to cities for jobs and shorter commutes.

Also of note is that suburbs gained more than 2.5 million poor individuals during that span, and by 2008 they were home to almost one-third of the country's poor population.

The report said that Greater Cleveland -- which includes suburban Lake and Geauga counties -- was one of a handful of metro areas that exemplify a shift in poverty from majority urban to majority suburban, as they saw the share of poor living in the suburbs pass the 50 percent mark this decade.

To illustrate these points, Brookings reported that from 2000-2008, Cleveland suburbs experienced a 10.9 percent drop in median household income; a 17.4 percent increase in nonwhite population; a 9.3 percent increase in the foreign-born population; and a 5.6 percent decrease in the under-18 population.

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For older industrial regions such as Northeast Ohio, the report offers strategies to address some of the challenges that lie ahead. Brookings suggests:

* Slowing the tide of decentralization by building outward from anchor institutions and overhauling urban land use.

* Integrating housing and social services for urban and suburban senior populations.

* Improving transit systems to link cities and suburbs.

To some degree, Northeast Ohio already is making strides in some of these areas. But there's room for improvement.

With the economy still struggling in many ways and government budgets as tight as ever, we understand there are very pressing issues with which our local officials must concern themselves. But as the Brookings report points out, these demographic shifts have been taking place for several years and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Thus, we urge area leaders to heed Brookings' advice and to keep these strategies in mind when setting policy at the local, regional and state level.